Getting to Know LA
LA enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her toys, and watching cartoons. However, she has experienced extreme anxiety, particularly during hospital admissions and tracheostomy tube changes. These challenges have made her feel different at school, leading to longer absences and concerns from teachers and parents.
Care Plan Development
To address these issues, Innovate facilitated multidisciplinary meetings with LA’s school teacher, nursing team, parents, and LA herself. These discussions, documented on care system in May 2023, highlighted the need for a holistic approach to her care.
A significant component of the care plan was the development of a psychological and emotional support strategy. LA’s school teacher created a social story featuring LA as the main character, explaining her differences and reassuring her that it is okay to be unique. This story helped LA feel more understood and accepted by her peers.
Building Trust
Innovate’s team engaged in continuous discussions with staff and parents to ensure the care plan was well-adapted to LA’s needs. The plan was updated at the end of May 2023 to reflect these changes, ensuring that LA received the emotional and psychological support she required.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges was LA’s extreme anxiety, especially during tracheostomy tube changes. To alleviate this, Innovate introduced “Trachessaurus,” a special toy found online that resembled LA. This toy became a comforting presence for LA, allowing her to play and communicate her preferences through it. Nurses and parents could talk to Trachessaurus with LA’s approval, helping her feel more in control and less anxious.
LA’s Your Best Life (YBL) Journey
With the support of her dedicated care team, LA has begun to feel more secure and confident. The introduction of Trachessaurus has been a game-changer, helping to reduce her anxiety and making her medical care more manageable. LA’s active participation in her care plan has empowered her to take control of her health and well-being.
Looking Ahead
Innovate Care Group remains committed to supporting LA’s development and preventing further trauma. The team will continue to work closely with LA and her family to identify and address any new challenges, ensuring that she can enjoy a normal childhood and thrive despite her medical condition. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, Innovate aims to minimise the impact of LA’s condition on her life and help her achieve her fullest potential.
